Eligibility and Admission

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Long-term care homes are publicly funded and operated by municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and private organizations. They provide health care and services to people whose needs cannot be met in the community.

Long-term care homes are licensed and regulated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The province has specific laws and regulations for admission to long-term care homes that are designed to ensure fairness and equity in the system, so that it can serve the needs of people with greater care needs as well as people who are still independent.

Long-term care homes can provide a residential alternative for patients with high care needs, who meet the following criteria:

18 years of age or older

Have a valid Ontario Health Card

Have health-care needs that cannot be met with any combination of caregiving in the home or community

Have health-care needs that can be met in a long-term care home

What is the process for selecting a home?

The long-term care home placement process includes a multi-part assessment, including an assessment by a Care Coordinator, to ensure there is an accurate record of your medical history, and to help determine eligibility for long-term care.

Your Care Coordinator will discuss all options, including providing options for long- term care homes. You can apply to as many as five homes. The wait times for long-term care homes vary widely, so decisions about which homes you are applying to will help determine the amount of time you will wait for long-term care.

Once a spot in a chosen long-term care home becomes available, you will be contacted by your Care Coordinator, and you will have 24 hours to consent to the admission. If you move to a home that is not your first choice, you may stay on the waiting list for your other choices, if you wish.

2. The maximum rate for semi-private or private accommodation in some long-term care homes can be less depending on the age and structure of the long-term care home.

If you are unable to afford these accommodation charges, you can apply for a reduction in the charge, known as a "rate reduction". In order to qualify for a rate reduction you must be a long-stay resident living in basic accommodation (including an interim bed). You will need to submit an application once you are admitted to a LTC home, but you should begin preparing now as you will need to provide documents such as your most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA). You should also access all income that may be available to you such as Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement and Guaranteed Annual Income System.

For more information on accommodation charges or the rate reduction application process, please speak to your placement coordinator. Should you have any additional questions, please contact: LTC Homes Action Line at 1-866-434-0144.